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After the
hugline on the last day of my 4th grade year a disturbing thought
tainted the thrill of the mudpies, slide show and songs of our
year-end celebration. "One day, I won't be leaving for the
summer, I'll be leaving for good…" The recollection now makes
me chuckle. How little I understood that it is impossible to
leave - the school is part of who I am! In everything that I
do, I am profoundly aware that my experience at The San
Francisco School wove the threads that are now the fabric of my
life. My values, my decisions and my passions  all find their
origins in those early days of learning dances from around the
world, testing the properties of mystery powders, weaving on a
handmade loom, taking a silent night-hike in Calaveras or
hearing the personal story of a refugee from the war in El
Salvador. And I am not alone.
Every time I talk to graduates from The San Francisco School, I am
struck by the special connection we share and fascinated by the
creative and unusual paths all of our lives have taken. There are
those who have studied classical Indian music and are now
practicing Chinese medicine and those who are performing in a
traveling circus or acting off Broadway, volunteering in Mexico,
or conducting research in the Amazon. Others advise international
students, evaluate day care centers, design textiles, and run
antique shops. While our paths show incredible diversity, they
also illuminate a common theme of creativity, compassion and
cross-cultural learning - qualities that were cultivated in
our SFS years and are now part of our very essence.
Indeed, our endeavors amply reflect the mission statement of The
San Francisco School and exemplify its enduring role in our
lives, even as the years since our last mudpie in the music
room roll by.
The School is still so much a part of us and I encourage alumni
and alumni parents to imagine how we can reciprocate the
relationship and continue to be part of the School. For me,
reconnecting as a member of the Board of Directors has been
a profound experience and I would love to see more of us
involved. By attending school events, participating in the
pen pal exchange with current students, contributing to the
annual fund, doing a guest presentation for classes or just
stopping by to say hello, we can actively support the community
that so enriched our lives in our younger years. I invite you
to share your story with us, be involved, and stay connected.
In the year and a half that I’ve been back at The School we have had
alumni support the Capital Campaign and the Annual Fund, attend the
35th Anniversary Celebration, share their wisdom regarding high school
decision making, join the Middle School backpacking trip, pick up
siblings, teach in the classroom, work in the office, attend the
ribbon cutting for the new Middle School Building, call old classmates
during our Alumni Phonathon, observe classes for educational research,
and just stop by to say hello to old teachers and to admire our improved
home here at 300 Gaven Street.
Every time I speak with someone about my job I am grateful for the
opportunity I was given to return to this wonderful place as an adult,
and to give back to the community that gave me so much during those
important childhood years. How fortunate to be able to be a part of
this community, not just once, but twice in my life. The San Francisco
School is truly a unique place in the world and we invite and encourage
you to stay connected.
Laralyn Bergstedt
Class of 1988
If you would like to have your email and address information updated, please
contact alumni coordinator Emily Sweet.
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